Many private cars are displaying England flags

North Tyneside Council said it believed it was one of only a few authorities to be allowing council-branded vehicles to fly the flag of St George.

In some areas flags displayed on moving vehicles have been branded dangerous to other road users and animals.

The council said flags would fly for as long as England were in the tournament.

The St George's flag is also being flown from the front of Wallsend town hall.

'National pride'

Elected mayor of North Tyneside John Harrison, said: "We're obviously backing England to do us all proud and in particular pass on our best wishes to Michael Carrick, who is a North Tyneside lad.

"We believe we're the only council on Tyneside to be flying the flag of St George."

He added: "In the past, the flag of St George has often been identified with some of the more unsavoury by-products of national pride.

"It's great to see it flying around our streets and businesses."